Othello Council discusses open meetings tech
Upgraded technology in the Othello City Council chambers was the subject of a discussion Monday. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most municipalities across the country turned to virtual meetings to continue to do business and serve their communities.
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OTHELLO — Possible upgrades to the video and sound system in the Othello City Council chambers were the subject of discussion at the regular council meeting Monday, though no final decision was reached.
Councilmember Genna Dorow said the existing system makes it difficult to know what’s going on.
“When you’re sitting and listening, you can’t tell what anybody is saying,” she said.
Mayor Shawn Logan said he used the existing system to participate in the Feb. 28 council meeting, and there’s room for improvement. It was difficult to hear people unless they were close to the microphone and there was a noticeable time lag during conversations, he said.
A new sound system was on the list of possible expenditures from funds the city received from the American Rescue Plan Act, with an estimate of $120,000.
Abner Garza, the city’s IT director, said the cost for the recommended system was higher at about $135,200. The price included tax and installation.
The new system would replace existing microphones and add four cameras, Garza said. All speakers would be replaced also. The system could be programmed to make it easier to use, he said.
The city would also be required to pay a fee to the web hosting service. Garza estimated the fee would be about $3,000 per year, which would be an increase from the current service.
Councilmember Corey Everett said he thought that was too expensive.
“This is overkill. This is so far overkill, it’s ridiculous,” Everett said. “Do we need a camera system in here? I 100% agree with that. But I don’t agree we need to spend 135 grand on it.”
Everett said such an expensive system is not a necessity.
“It’s a lot of money. I know it’s a lot of money,” Logan said. “If we were going to have to pay for this out of the general fund, I’m not sure we would do it.”
But the federal government allocated money to pay for projects like that, Logan said. In addition, the council chambers are and would be, available for community use.
“I see a lot of benefit to this,” Logan said.
Councilmember Jon Erickson said he thought an upgraded system would make it easier for Othello residents to access council meetings.
“Unfortunately, technology is not cheap anymore for quality,” Erickson said.
Council members will decide whether or not to buy the system at a subsequent meeting.